This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-29241545
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Concern over Cwmcarn Forest Drive road closure for tree felling | |
(about 9 hours later) | |
Campaigners are urging officials to reverse a decision to shut a popular forest road in south Wales despite work needed to fell 150,000 trees. | |
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) says larch trees at Cwmcarn Forest Drive in Caerphilly must come down from November to halt the spread of a fungal disease. | Natural Resources Wales (NRW) says larch trees at Cwmcarn Forest Drive in Caerphilly must come down from November to halt the spread of a fungal disease. |
The seven-mile drive will close but its bike and walking trails, play areas and visitor centre will remain open. | The seven-mile drive will close but its bike and walking trails, play areas and visitor centre will remain open. |
A drop-in session explaining the decision was held on Sunday. | |
NRW says 162 hectares (400 acres) of the forestry in Caerphilly county is infected or at risk of the untreatable disease Phytophthora ramorum. | NRW says 162 hectares (400 acres) of the forestry in Caerphilly county is infected or at risk of the untreatable disease Phytophthora ramorum. |
Work to remove them is expected to take until 2018. | Work to remove them is expected to take until 2018. |
But some have criticised the decision, with more than 1,900 people signing an e-petition on the Welsh government's website concerned the drive might never reopen. | |
'Questions' | 'Questions' |
NRW has said more than two million larch - a third of those infected - have been felled to slow the spread of the disease. | NRW has said more than two million larch - a third of those infected - have been felled to slow the spread of the disease. |
Regional land manager Andy Schofield said it had arranged drop-in sessions at the site to allay people's concerns. | Regional land manager Andy Schofield said it had arranged drop-in sessions at the site to allay people's concerns. |
"We also want to reassure people that our long term aim for this forest is to restore and improve the area so it can remain a fantastic attraction and continue to play an important role for the people and the economy in the area," he said. | "We also want to reassure people that our long term aim for this forest is to restore and improve the area so it can remain a fantastic attraction and continue to play an important role for the people and the economy in the area," he said. |
The long-term plan is to replant other trees on the site once the ground is ready and to eventually reinstate the road. | The long-term plan is to replant other trees on the site once the ground is ready and to eventually reinstate the road. |
But NRW has said this would require "significant investment" which it could not commit to at this time. | But NRW has said this would require "significant investment" which it could not commit to at this time. |
In August the Welsh government listed the forest drive and visitor centre in the top 10 most popular free attractions in Wales. | In August the Welsh government listed the forest drive and visitor centre in the top 10 most popular free attractions in Wales. |
Previous version
1
Next version